In a significant turn of events, former Union minister and prominent Congress leader Milind Deora, aged 47, is reportedly contemplating a shift to Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The confusion within the Congress city unit arose amid reports of a potential move by Deora, who is evaluating his options, leaving the Congress without ruling out the possibility. Despite the speculations, Deora has not officially confirmed his decision. However, sources mention that CM Shinde has extended an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat to the former Union minister.
Deora, known for his substantial support in South Mumbai, faced disappointment upon learning that Shiv Sena (UBT), an ally of the Congress in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), is reluctant to vacate a prestigious seat for the Congress. Party chief Uddhav Thackeray is determined to field sitting MP Arvind Sawant for the upcoming LS polls, showing loyalty to Sawant and predicting a hat-trick for him.
Supporters of Deora, rooted in a traditionally Congress family, argue that his absence from power for a decade could adversely impact his political career. Having previously been elected twice to the LS from the same seat in 2004 and 2009, and following his father’s four-term representation, the pressure for a comeback is evident.
Arvind Sawant asserted that the prestigious seat would not be conceded to any other party. Even if Deora joins Shiv Sena, there is no guarantee of a ticket from his new party. The BJP, an ally of Sena (Shinde), has claimed the SoBo seat, previously represented by the late leader Jaywantiben Mehta. BJP sources suggest that State Minister Mangalprabha Lodha and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar are both eager to contest from this affluent constituency. Consequently, there are reports that CM Shinde has offered a Rajya Sabha seat to Deora as an alternative.
